Live Thread: Nets @ Cavs

Good afternoon CtB!

Today the Brooklyn Nets have trekked to the shores of Lake Erie to take on the Cavs in a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day matinee. For the Cavs, this is the first in a series of games against the cream of the Eastern Conference crop coming off of a brutal road trip. For the Nets, this is the beginning of a period of time without one of their star players in Kevin Durant, who’s out with a knee sprain. Both teams will have to fight through adversity earn that W.

This game will be a very interesting chess match on the court. The Cavs’ elite defense has had trouble containing the Net’s offense. In spite of the lack of success, the Cavs’ plan to pack the paint and allow Brooklyn’s role players to fire away from three is a fundamentally sound strategy. That could change today with the recent emergence of sharp shooting rookie Kessler Edwards, who’s a 3 and D specialist shooting 42% from long range. Also, the Nets have started to mix in Day’Ron Sharpe, the University of North Carolina rookie big. Coach Steve Nash has added both of these guys to the rotation to increase the athleticism and energy of the team, as well as to make up for the lackluster performances of the Nets’ bench.

On the Cavs’ side of the ball, Rajon Rondo is out and Lamar Stevens is a game time decision. It’ll be interesting to see if teams start to heavily blitz Darius Garland to force the ball out of his hands given his recent hot streak. Today may be a game where Evan Mobley’s passing/playmaking becomes the pillar that the Cavs’ lean on.

Tip off is scheduled for 3:00PM ET and will be broadcasted on Bally Sports Ohio/Great Lakes, GO CAVS!